Up next in my little ‘Paleo Mistakes’ Series is another very commonly made error by those new to Paleo: inclusion of Paleo Sweets and Treats. I cannot tell you the number of times clients have shared their latest version of a ‘Paleo Pancake’ or “Paleo Banana Bread’ that they’ve created.
Yes, they use only Paleo friendly food, but they’re completely out of balance.
For example, one client made a large batch of ‘Paleo Brownies” using dates, raw cacao, honey and a touch of coconut oil. He snacked on this concoction throughout the day for several days (when he should’ve been snacking on fresh veg and protein with some fat), until they ran out…and then he made more.
He didn’t share the small detail that he’d added this ‘treat’ to his diet until two weeks had elapsed, and even then, it wasn’t until he and I were trying to trouble shoot why he’d not lost any weight in his first two weeks of being Paleo.
Rather than eating his five balanced Paleo meals I’d written for him, he’d been eating some of them, but the focus for snacks (and a dessert he’d decided to add) was on this high-sugar concoction.
Yes, the ingredients were Paleo but the formula he used, as well as how often he decided to eat it, was well off kilter.
One of the most important principles with Paleo eating is balance.
Balance in terms of macro nutrients (Paleo is roughly 40/30/30 in favor of complex carbs we get mostly through veggies and some fruit) as well as eating frequency.
Remember, a dessert is still dessert, a brownie is still a brownie and we do not need to be eating things like that with any regularity whatsoever.
Once in a while, on a rare occasion; similar to what cavemen did on the rare occasion they’d probably have encountered a beehive and subsequently indulged on the sweet nectar.
Please don’t kid yourself that you’re following the Paleo diet properly if you’re eating these sugary concoctions with any regularity.
Are they more favorable than ice cream and cookies?
Probably, but neither are good things to eat on a regular basis.
Go grab some kale & some raw salmon & let your balanced energy level flow!
Wow. Kale and salmon (which I do enjoy as part of a variety of foods) seems to be mentioned a lot as a ‘go-to’ food alternative when people are struggling with the Paleo diet at first. But kale?! I can see why so many people cheat if this is the commonly mentioned go-to option over brownies. What about pineapple chunks with passion fruit squeezed over it, salmon and scrambled eggs with lemon and parsley or homemade chunky vegetable soup? Please help people to stick to Paleo by showing them that meals can be BETTER tasting (such as steak, veg and salad)…and not just kale and raw fish!
Those who know me know that I have a particular love of kale, so much so that I get teased about it. As such, I often write about it in my blog. I do offer loads and loads of variety of Paleo ideas ranging from the most basic and simple things, like having a veggie omelette for breakfast which is a good transitional meal, to eating steak and chicken and salads… have a look at my four plus years of blogs, my books and my media sites to learn more!
Brilliant, thanks for the reply. I am reading everything Paleo related I can get my hands on! I have only been completely Paleo for 5 weeks (although I have been researching and slowly changing for many months) and am just so passionate about it that I want everyone interested to know how great it can be! Since becoming a Paleoista (whoop!), my severe adult acne that I had for over 14 years (and tried every drug and supposed influence known to the western world it seemed) whilst eating a very ‘healthy’ diet and excersising regularly, is gone…..completely. I am no longer as stressed due to the insulin roller-coasters and just can’t help but smile more! Good luck to all in their journey and a big thank you to all the Paleo people out there who keep us inspired.